418 BATRACHIA. 



these markings are concentrically arranged, forming V-like bands with the point directed 

 forward ; one is always darker and broader than the others, and those on the hind part of 

 the trunk are more or less broken up into oval or round spots. A cross band of the same 

 colour between the eyes. Limbs with numerous similar cross bars. A brownish-black spot 

 on each side of the vent. Lower parts yellowish ; throat marbled with blackish in the male. 

 The length of the body is somewhat less than the distance between vent and heel ; toes 

 one-third webbed. 



This species is extremely similar to its congener from the Peninsula of India, but it appears 

 constantly to differ in its coloration and in having somewhat longer limbs. It is very common 

 in China (Ningpo, Hongkong), and lately we have also received some examples from Siam. 

 Total length 13 lines, hind limb 24 lines. 



BUFO, auct. 



Snout rounded or truncated ; limbs rather short. Teeth none. Tongue 

 elongate-ovate, entire and free behind. Parotoids very distinct, swollen; 

 skin more or less warty. Openings of the eustachian tubes of moderate 

 width. Fingers quite free ; toes generally half-webbed, sometimes entirely 

 webbed. Males generally with a single vocal sac, which is not visible 

 externally. 



Toads are found in almost every part of the tropical and temperate regions, except Oceania 

 and Australia. Their repulsive appearance, nocturnal habits, and the fetid smell of a milky 

 secretion have rendered them objects of horror and superstition, although it is now almost 

 universally known that they are the most harmless and even useful creatures. They gene- 

 rally come forth from their hiding-places towards dark, in search of food, which consists of 

 worms, larvae, and slowly moving insects ; they also make their appearance after showers of 

 rain, picking up the insects and larvae which drop from trees. When attacked by man or 

 by an animal, they exude a milky fluid from the large gland situate on each side of the 

 neck, which we call parotoid, and from the numerous smaller glands with which their body 

 is covered. This fluid can be ejected to a distance of a foot or more from the pai'otoids ; 

 but, although of an offensive smell, it has no poisonous qualities, and will produce merely a 

 slight erythema on a delicate skin ; if accidentally carried into the eye, it is followed by 

 slight pain and inflammation of the conjunctiva. However, this fluid is an excellent protec- 

 tion to toads, as almost all animals feeding on fi-ogs reject them as food. I have found 

 remains of toads only in very large, old snakes. 



They live in damp, dark places, and enter the water only at the season of propagation. 

 They are bad swimmers and leapers, their feet being short, with the interdigital membrane 

 not well developed. 



